In the golden years of wrestling, there were many favorites that worked in the professional wrestling industry in Southern California. Who can remember the likes of Freddy Blassie, John “The Golden Greek” Tolos, Pampero Firpo, Cowboy Bob Ellis, Black Gordman and Goliath, The Medics, Sunny War Cloud, The Destroyer, Killer Kowalski, Mil Mascaras, Victor Rivera, Roddy Piper, The Alaskan Jay York , The Original Mr. Wonderful Rock Riddle (who still wrestles on occasions), The original Friar #1 and Friar # 2, Chavo Guerrero, Mando Guerrero, Hector Guerrero, and even a very young Eddy Guerrero, got a taste of the old arena; there were so many others to mention them all. The San Bernardino Arena that once occupied the address of 137 S. “G” St. just south of Rialto Ave. right next to the Railroad tracks was the place to see great wrestling entertainment. The San Bernardino Arena was a place where every weekend, either on a Saturday night and then towards the end on Sunday night, wrestling fans gathered around the squared circle to cheer for their favorite heroes, or yell and scream at the fearsome villains. Folks, young and old, letting off steam, and allowing themselves to get away from the day to day grind of life. The sound of the cheering and screaming crowd, along with the pounding of the ring, as wrestlers slammed themselves into the canvas to gain the win over their opponents in that old building. The smell of popcorn, hot dogs, and beer is also a memory to most of us that grew in the area, and witnessed those nights at the smoky arena. Certainly The San Bernardino Arena was a place where fans from all walks of life gathered around for some great wrestling entertainment.
The Empire Wrestling Federation is proud to follow the same tradition of those from the golden years. The EWF is very proud to claim a bit of history; the EWF also held wrestling events at the San Bernardino arena before the roof of that building came crashing down, causing the end of an era, and leaving only a memory in our minds. Since 1996, the EWF has proudly been able to continue with the legacy set forth by those previously named superstars of our past, and allowing our young talent to entertain the fans of today. There are many small promotions now in Southern California, some different then others with the different styles, but EWF still follows the old school tradition of “Heroes vs Villains.” The Empire Wrestling Federation is proud to have promoted 44 events in the year 2014; and, the EWF is eager to add more that number for 2015. If you truly loved wrestling the way it used to be then I suggest you give EWF a chance. Come out and support our talent, where you can see them grow into the future.
Written by Jesse Hernandez
